Alisson’s journey to becoming the 2024 Valedictorian at East Brooklyn Community High School (EBCHS) is a testament to her resilience and the transformative support provided by institutions like Sco Family Of Services. Her story exemplifies how focused educational environments, particularly those integrated with comprehensive support systems, can empower students to overcome obstacles and achieve academic excellence.
Alisson arrived at East Brooklyn Community High School in the fall of 2023, already a bright student, but one whose academic path had been disrupted. Prior to transferring to EBCHS, Alisson faced challenges at her previous school. By her sophomore year, feelings of insecurity at her old school led to inconsistent attendance, which subsequently impacted her grades. Recognizing the negative trajectory, Alisson proactively sought a change. Following a friend’s recommendation, she explored East Brooklyn Community High School, a decision that would prove pivotal in her academic turnaround.
East Brooklyn Community High School operates as a transfer high school in partnership with the NYC Department of Education. This model is specifically designed to serve students who have faced challenges in traditional high school settings. Transfer schools like EBCHS, often supported by organizations within the sco family of services network, combine rigorous academic programs with intensive support services aimed at fostering academic success and personal growth. Crucially, EBCHS distinguishes itself through its smaller size, accommodating around 200 students, which allows for smaller class sizes and more individualized attention. Advocate Counselors and Social Workers are integral to the school’s framework, providing critical support to students navigating personal issues that might otherwise hinder their academic progress. For Alisson, East Brooklyn’s nurturing and focused environment was precisely what she needed to thrive.
A primary objective of East Brooklyn, and indeed all transfer high schools that benefit from networks like sco family of services, is to rehabilitate students’ perceptions of school and education, particularly after negative experiences. Teachers and staff are dedicated to reshaping students’ attitudes towards learning, fostering a welcoming and engaging atmosphere that students are motivated to be part of.
From her very first day at EBCHS, Alisson felt a significant shift in her educational experience.
“The teachers really care. They really want you to learn the material and they create a positive environment that made me want to go to school,” Alisson stated. Highlighting another key aspect of the support system, she added, “East Brooklyn also makes mental health a priority. If you’re feeling stressed, you’re encouraged to speak to a social worker to help get you in a better place.” This emphasis on mental well-being is a hallmark of schools connected to sco family of services, recognizing the crucial link between emotional health and academic achievement.
EBCHS’s accelerated trimester system perfectly suited Alisson’s self-motivated nature. This structure allowed her to learn at a faster pace, accumulating 18 credits in a single year and enabling her to graduate on schedule. Furthermore, Alisson enthusiastically embraced the diverse opportunities available at EBCHS. Encouraged to pursue her interest in film, she enrolled in a film course that broadened her horizons, including participation in the NYC public school Film Festival. She further deepened her skills through an internship with the EBCHS film teacher. The school’s Future Focus Advocate Counselor played a vital role in helping Alisson define her post-graduation plans and navigate the complexities of college and financial aid applications. Throughout her time at EBCHS, Alisson cultivated strong relationships with teachers and social workers, all of whom were deeply invested in her success, embodying the holistic support approach characteristic of the sco family of services.
Looking ahead, Alisson is determined to pursue a career in nursing. Her lifelong interest in medicine, combined with a passion for working with children, has led her to aspire to become a pediatric nurse. Alisson’s next step involves attending Borough of Manhattan College for two years to complete their nursing program, followed by transferring to a four-year college to earn her nursing degree.
Alisson wholeheartedly recommends East Brooklyn Community High School to any student facing difficulties in their current school environment and seeking a supportive and encouraging setting to facilitate their success. Her journey stands as a powerful illustration of what young individuals can accomplish when placed in the right environment.
“A lot of my peers say I took the opportunity and ran with it,” Alisson reflected.
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Alisson’s experience and underscores the transformative impact of East Brooklyn Community High School and the supportive framework of organizations like sco family of services in enabling students to seize opportunities and realize their full potential.
